How results are made
In a live game, a dealer deals real cards or spins a real wheel, and the result is read on camera. In an RNG game, a random number generator decides the result in software, and studios say these generators are tested by outside labs. Stake says its Originals are provably fair, which means you can check each round. Our Originals hub explains how that works.
Live and RNG side by side
| Live dealer | RNG | |
|---|---|---|
| Result from | Physical cards, wheel or dice | Software |
| Pace | Slower | Fast, often instant |
| Demo play | Generally not | Often available, not everywhere |
| Social | Dealer, host and chat | Usually solo |
| Data use | High | Low |
| Trust | Studio licensing and cameras | Testing labs, or provably fair for Originals |
Pace and cost per hour
The house edge applies to every bet. So the number of bets per hour decides how much you can expect to lose per hour. Live games run on a timer, with dealers and other players, so you'll see far fewer rounds per hour than in an RNG game. Invented numbers: at 1 a round with a 2.7% edge, 50 live roulette spins an hour cost about 1.35 on average; 300 RNG spins an hour at the same stake cost about 8.10. Same edge, a much bigger hourly cost.
Returns
For the same game and rules, live and RNG versions can carry similar edges. Variants differ, and multiplier games and shows can be higher. Check the published return in each game's help or info panel. For slots, see our RTP and volatility explainer.
Trust
Live games earn trust by showing the equipment on camera and through the studio's licence and testing. RNG games rely on generators that studios say are certified by independent labs. Stake Originals go further, with provably fair checks Stake says you can run yourself. Neither format removes the house edge. Stake's own licensing is covered in is Stake legit.
Demo play
RNG games and slots often have a demo mode, so you can learn the rules for free. Live tables generally don't, because a real dealer runs each round. If you want to learn a game before betting on a live table, an RNG or demo version can help; then watch a few live rounds before your first bet.
Experience
Live tables feel social and real. You can chat, watch the dealer, and play at a slower pace. RNG games are quick and private. Some players switch between them: RNG for a short session, live when they have time to sit down.
Which to choose
Pick by what you want
| You want | Try |
|---|---|
| A slower, social session | Live tables, such as baccarat |
| Decisions that matter | Live blackjack or RNG blackjack |
| A show | Game shows |
| Quick rounds on low data | RNG games or Originals |
| Learning rules for free | Demo versions, where offered |
A worked comparison
Invented numbers. Two players each have 50 and an hour. One plays live baccarat on Banker at 1 a hand, perhaps 60 hands. The other plays RNG baccarat at 1 a hand, perhaps 400 hands. Both face the same edge per bet, the commonly quoted 1.06% on Banker in standard rules. The live player's expected cost is under 1. The RNG player's is around 4. Swings mean either might win on the day, but the faster game costs more on average.
Decide between live and RNG
- Decide your budget and time.
- Choose a game you know.
- Compare rules and returns in each version's help panel.
- Consider pace: faster means more wagered per hour.
- Pick the version that fits your budget and mood.
Data and devices
Live tables stream video and use a lot of data. RNG games use far less. On mobile data, RNG games or a low stream quality are kinder to your plan. See live casino on mobile.
Responsible play
Fast RNG games make it easy to bet more per hour than you intend. Live games are slower but can make sessions longer. Gambling can be addictive, so set both a money limit and a time limit, and see our responsible gambling guide. 18+ only, or the higher legal age where you live. Stake.com isn't available in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ontario or the other places on Stake's prohibited list, and the list can change, so check our availability page. Using a VPN to get around a block breaks Stake's terms.
What "provably fair" adds
Provably fair systems usually publish a hashed server seed before a round and let you set your own client seed. After the round, you can check that the result came from those seeds. Our Originals hub covers the steps. It proves the result wasn't changed after you bet. It doesn't remove the house edge, which is built into the payouts. Live games can't offer this kind of check, because their results come from physical equipment; trust there comes from the cameras, the studio's procedures and its licence.
Mixing both
If you use both, count them in the same budget.
FAQ
Are live games fairer than RNG?
Both are designed with a house edge. They earn trust in different ways.
Why are live games cheaper per hour?
Fewer rounds per hour means less wagered per hour at the same stake.
Can I play live games in demo mode?
Generally not, because a real dealer runs each round.
What's provably fair?
A system used by Stake Originals that lets you check each round. See the Originals hub.